E-LEARNING PROGRAM
MacGregor State School have set up our signature e-Learning program in classes across all year levels.
PREP TO YEAR 2 - IPAD PROGRAM
The iPad Program at MacGregor State School provides opportunities for students to access information and tools and work at a high level to transform information beyond previous boundaries and to create and share in the modern digital world.
Students will use their device for a range of purposes throughout all stages of learning such as planning and researching, applying and deepening knowledge, reflecting, evaluating and sharing. It is not expected that these devices will be in constant use, nor replace the important need for students to learn to read and write using more traditional modes. As with other teaching and learning tools in our school, the devices will be used to extend and enrich the learning experience.
The program aligns with the DET Digital Strategy that aims for better educational outcomes through improved delivery of high quality, cost effective, contemporary ICT. This strategy encourages schools to ‘Engage Minds and Empower Futures’. Our iPad program meets this criteria.
Why iPads?
iPads have been selected as our device of choice because they are very accessible for our students, are very durable, and do not present a security risk to our network infrastructure. Wireless access to Department of Education's (DET’s) filtered Managed Internet Service is possible ensuring excellent security for students and seamless integration with existing network processes. A wide
range of versatile apps are available to support learning in all areas of curriculum. Students are also generally familiar with the device.
Students are able to create a diverse range of high quality digital content with the apps available. iPads are also suitable for younger students as there are no frustrating login problems with them - one swipe and it is powered up and ready to use. The devices are also mobile, being lightweight and portable. With the addition of a protection case, they are also durable enough to transport between home and school.
YEARS 3 TO 6 - LAPTOP PROGRAM
Twelve wireless laptop classes that operate on an one laptop to one student initiative that use digital pedagogies across the key learning areas. In a culture where students are digital natives, it is required that educators respond and embrace the needs of the growing digital culture with a digital environment where students learning are immersed in ICT's. In the creation of such an environment it is expected that the benefits of having a one to one laptop student ratio will encourage:
- emphasis on individual student learning
- student motivation - increased engagement by students taking greater pride and ownership of their learning.
- access to a wider range of online learning resources
- interaction with the wider community
- active inquiry based learning - explore tasks, critical thinking and informed decision making
- involvement in real life tasks
- multi-sensory stimulation
- develop discipline and managerial tasks
- the link between school and home relations.
The classes have been set up with each student having their own laptop which connects wirelessly to the school network and all the online resources and software that has to offer. This incorporates internet access to the web. Teachers deliver lessons immersing ICTs in a range of curriculum areas and have anInteractive LCD Panel for the electronic learning of their class. The students begin the Laptop digital experience in five Year 4 classes. This cohort then in the following years move through the Year 5, Year 6 classes.